Top 3 walks from Hall Farm, Wetton
Thor's Cave, Wetton Mill, Wetton Hill and The Manifold Trail are all short walks from the door.
Thor's Cave walk
This short loop is only 2.5km and well suited to families and people with dogs. The walk takes you through sweeping fields through a gate into a small, wooded glade, before ascending a steep valley slope; made "easier" by the 198 steps up to Thor's cave. The climb is rewarded by wonderful views of the Manifold Valley from the mouth of Thor's Cave. The cave itself can be explored quite far back, but can be slippy at the entrance, so a torch is recommended for those who want to go deeper in. You can then follow a concession track back to Wetton, taking a detour to the top of Thor's cave on the way for breathtaking views of the White Peak. Boots are required as the route is well trodden and gets very muddy following heavy rain.
Link to route map - https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/7502066/Thors-Cave-loop
Wetton Hill and Wetton Mill
A slightly longer walk at just over 5km, taking you through Wetton, past the lovely tea room situated in the village hall, and well worth stopping off for a tea, coffee or slice of cake. Follow a farm track north out of the village, onto Wetton Hill, an area of access land with handsome Suffolk sheep, and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The walk then loops round behind Wetton Hill and into a quiet, steep-sided valley that in in wetter months has a little brook running through it. Walking up a small hill you come out above the picturesque Wetton Mill with its delightful tea room on the RIver Manifold, selling cakes, hot and cold drinks and light bites. There is also a small cave above the mill which is fantastic for some family safe exploring. After stopping off for refreshments you can wind your way back through the Manifold Valley along the Manifold trail before crossing over a bridge below Thor's Cave and heading back up the hill towards Wetton. Hall Farm will be visible on your return across the fields.
Link to route map - https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/7502047/Wetton-Hill-and-Wetton-Mill-loop
Wetton Low and Manifold Valley
This quieter walk is a little over 6km but is fairly flat throughout with just a few small inclines. The route takes you to the west of the village of Wetton before climbing over a style and walking through fields, past a beautiful ruined barn. Some beautiful beef cattle are reared in these fields, always a lovely site when cows have calves at foot. After crossing the road the path takes you above the Manifold Valley offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There is much less foot traffic on this walk and is therefore very dog friendly. The route continues along the top of the valley before reaching Castern Woods Nature Reserve before looping back to Wetton along a quiet farm track. The track takes you into the village, passing the playing fields on the way should anyone fancy a go on the zipwire or swings. Once back to Wetton you can head back to Hall Farm or pop into the Royal Oak or the Village Hall tea rooms for some refreshments.
Link to route map - https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/7502088/Wetton-Low-and-Manifold-Valley
